Zoom lens for projection and projection-type display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens for projection substantially consists of a first lens-group having negative refractive-power, and which is arranged on a most magnification-side, and which is fixed during magnification change, a second lens-group having negative refractive-power, and which is arranged on a reduction-side of the first lens-group, and which is fixed during magnification change, a last lens-group having positive refractive-power, and which is arranged on a most reduction-side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and three lens-groups arranged between the last lens-group and the second lens-group, and which move during magnification change. The zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction-side, and focusing is performed by moving only the second lens-group. The lens-groups that move during magnification change are substantially a third lens-group having positive refractive-power, a fourth lens-group having positive refractive-power and a fifth lens-group having positive refractive-power, which are arranged in this order form a magnification-side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zoom lens, and particularly to a zoom lens for projection applicable to a projection-type display apparatus.

Further, the present invention relates to a projection-type display apparatus including such a zoom lens for projection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, projection-type display apparatuses, such as a transmission-type or reflection-type liquid crystal display apparatus and a DMD display apparatus, using light valves became widely used. Projection lenses used in such kinds of projection-type display apparatuses generally need to have long back focus. Further, an entrance pupil of such a projection lens viewed from a reduction side (light valve side) needs to be located sufficiently far. In other words, the projection lens needs to have telecentricity on the reduction side. Further, the projection lens needs to have a variable magnification function (zoom function), considering the portability of the apparatus and the adaptability of the apparatus to setting conditions. Further, the projection lens needs to have a wide angle of view to satisfy a requirement of projection onto a large screen from a short distance.

When the angle of view of the projection lens is tried to be widened, a problem of an increase in the screen-side lens diameter and a problem of a fluctuation of curvature of field caused by focusing when a projection distance is changed (from close-up to infinity) arise.

Conventionally, zoom lenses disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-257005 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-013657 (Patent Document 2) are well known, as zoom lenses for projection that can cope with the aforementioned problems. In the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 1, a first lens group, which is located on the most magnification side, is divided into two sub-lens-groups. A fluctuation of curvature of field caused by focusing is suppressed by changing a distance between the two sub-lens-groups during focusing. Meanwhile, in the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 2, a fluctuation of curvature of field caused by focusing is suppressed by moving the second most-magnification-side lens group. Further, the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured in such a manner that four lens groups are moved during magnification change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in both of the zoom lenses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the angles of view are about 60 degrees, which are small. Further, when the angle of view is tried to be further widened, there is a risk that it becomes impossible to suppress a fluctuation of curvature of field caused by focusing. Further, the screen-side lens diameter becomes large in some cases.

In view of the foregoing circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a zoom lens for projection, in which various aberrations are excellently correctable by using a small number of lenses even if an angle of view is widened.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a zoom lens for projection, in which curvature of field caused by focusing is excellently correctable in a simplified structure even if an angle of view is widened.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a projection-type display apparatus including the zoom lens for projection, as described above, and which can display images with high image qualities.

A zoom lens for projection according to a first aspect of the present invention is a zoom lens for projection substantially consisting of:

a first lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a most magnification side, and which is fixed during magnification change;

a second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a reduction side of the first lens group, and which is fixed during magnification change;

a last lens group having positive refractive power, and which is arranged on a most reduction side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and

three lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change,

wherein the zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side, and

wherein focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group.

Here, the expression “substantially consisting of: . . . lens groups” means that lenses substantially without any refractive power, optical elements other than lenses, such as a stop and a cover glass, mechanical parts, such as a lens flange, a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a hand shake blur correction mechanism, and the like may be included in addition to the mentioned lens groups. Hereinafter, the term “substantially” will be used always in the same meaning as the above definition.

Further, the expression “telecentric on a reduction side” represents a state in which a bisector of an angle between the maximum ray on the upper side and the maximum ray on the lower side in a cross section of rays converging at an arbitrary point on a reduction-side image plane is nearly parallel to an optical axis. The expression does not mean only a completely telecentric case, i.e., a case in which the bisector of the angle is completely parallel to the optical axis. The expression also means a case with some error. Here, the case with some error means that the inclination of the bisector of the angle with respect to the optical axis is within a range of ±3°.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, a cemented lens may be used as lenses constituting each lens group. When a cemented lens consists of n number of lenses cemented together, the cemented lens is counted as n number of lenses. Further, in the specification of the present application, the term “the zoom lens for projection of the present invention” and the term “the zoom lens for projection according to the present invention” represent both of the zoom lens for projection according to the first aspect of the present invention and the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention, which will be described later, unless otherwise mentioned.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, the surface shape of a lens and the sign of the refractive power of a lens are considered in a paraxial region when the lens includes an aspherical surface.

Here, in the zoom lens for projection according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of the second lens group is f2: −210.0<f2/fw  (1)

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (1): −190.0<f2/fw  (1′).

Meanwhile, the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention is a zoom lens for projection substantially consisting of:

a first lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a most magnification side, and which is fixed during magnification change;

a second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a reduction side of the first lens group, and which is fixed during magnification change;

a last lens group having positive refractive power, and which is arranged on a most reduction side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and

plural lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change,

wherein the zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side, and

wherein focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group, and

wherein the following conditional formula is satisfied when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of the second lens group is f2: −210.0<f2/fw<−20.0  (2) The term “substantially” means what has been explained above already.

In the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (2): −190.0<f2/fw<−40.0  (2′).

In the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the plural lens groups, which move during magnification change, substantially consist of three lens groups. Here, the term “substantially” means what has been explained above already.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw and a back focus of the entire system (distance in air) is Bf: 1.5<Bf/fw<3.0  (3) Here, the back focus is aback focus when a magnification side is regarded as an object side and a reduction side is regarded as an image side

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (3): 1.7<Bf/fw<2.5  (3′).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that a most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group has a concave surface facing a magnification side, and that a most-reduction-side lens in the second lens group has a convex surface facing a reduction side.

Further, when such two lenses are adopted in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group is R21f, and a curvature radius of a reduction-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group is R21 r: 5.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<80.0  (4).

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (4): 6.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<60.0  (4′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the second lens group substantially consists of only two lenses. Here, the term “substantially” means what has been explained above already.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of the first lens group is f1: −2.0<f1/fw<−0.8  (5).

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (5): −1.5<f1/fw<−1.0  (5′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the plural lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change, are substantially a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, which are arranged in this order form a magnification side. The term “substantially” means what has been explained above already.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a full angle of view at a wide angle end is 2ω: 70°≦2ω  (6).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the fifth lens group includes at least three positive lenses, and that a most-magnification-side lens in the fifth lens group has a convex surface facing the magnification side. Further, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of the fifth lens group is f5: 7.5<f5/fw<14.5  (7).

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (7): 8.0<f5/fw<13.0  (7′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when an average of an Abbe number or numbers of a positive lens or lenses included in the fifth lens group for d-line is ν5 a: 60.0<ν5a  (8).

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (8): 62.0<ν5a  (8′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when an average of an Abbe number or numbers of a positive lens or lenses included in the sixth lens group for d-line is ν6 a: 50.0<ν6a  (9).

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (9): 55.0<ν6a  (9′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of a most-magnification-side lens or lens unit in the fifth lens group is R5f and a curvature radius of a reduction-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens or lens unit in the fifth lens group is R5 r: 2.5<(R5f+R5r)/(R5f−R5r)<7.0  (10) Here, the term “lens unit” represents a whole cemented lens particularly when the cemented lens is arranged on the most magnification side in the fifth lens group.

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (10): 3.5<(R5f+R5r)/(R5f−R5r)<6.5  (10′).

Further, in the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, it is desirable that the following conditional formula is satisfied when when a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of the sixth lens group is f6: 3.0<f6/fw<7.0  (11)

Further, it is more desirable that especially the following conditional formula is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (11): 3.5<f6/fw<6.0  (11′).

Meanwhile, a projection-type display apparatus of the present invention includes the zoom lens for projection according to the present invention, as described above, in addition to a light source, a light valve and an illumination optical unit that guides rays from the light source to the light valve. The projection-type display apparatus includes a structure in which light modulation is performed on the rays from the light source at the light valve, and the rays are projected onto a screen by the zoom lens for projection.

The zoom lens for projection according to the first aspect of the present invention has an inner focus structure in which focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on the inner side (reduction side) of the first lens group, which is fixed during magnification change. Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct curvature of field without particularly increasing the size of the lens.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured to change magnification by moving three lens groups. Therefore, it is possible to excellently suppress curvature of field caused by a wider angle of view while simplifying the structure of the zoom lens, compared with the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 2, in which magnification is changed by moving four lens groups, as described already, or the like.

In the zoom lens for projection according to the first aspect of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (1) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (1) defines the ratio of the focal length of the second lens group to the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end. If the value is lower than the lower limit of the conditional formula, the negative refractive power of the second lens group becomes too weak, and the lens diameter on the magnification side becomes large in attempting to secure a predetermined angle of view. When conditional formula (1) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent the drawbacks as described above. Further, it is possible to reduce the size of the zoom lens, and to increase the angle of view at the same time.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (1′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (1).

Meanwhile, the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention also has an inner focus structure in which focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on the inner side (reduction side) of the first lens group, which is fixed during magnification change. Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct curvature of field without particularly increasing the size of the lens.

Further, when the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (2), the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (2) defines the ratio of the focal length of the second lens group to the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end in a similar manner to the aforementioned conditional formula (1). If the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (2), the diameter of a front lens becomes too large in attempting to secure a predetermined angle of view. On the contrary, if the value exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (2), the negative refractive power of the second lens group becomes too strong, and the size of the whole lens system becomes large. Further, the amount of movement of the lens group during focusing becomes large, and it becomes impossible to suppress a fluctuation of aberrations (especially, curvature of field) caused by a fluctuation of a projection distance. When conditional formula (2) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent the aforementioned drawbacks, and to reduce the size of the zoom lens. Further, it is possible to excellently suppress a fluctuation of aberrations caused by a fluctuation of a projection distance.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (2′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (2).

In the zoom lens for projection according to the second aspect of the present invention, especially when the plural lens groups that move during magnification change are three lens groups, it is possible to excellently suppress curvature of field caused by a wider angle of view while simplifying the structure of the zoom lens, compared with the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 2, in which magnification is changed by moving four lens groups, as described already, or the like.

Especially, when the zoom lens for projection of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (3), the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (3) defines the ratio of the back focus of the entire system to the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end. If the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (3), it becomes difficult to insert a glass block, such as a prism, which is generally arranged on the rear side (reduction side) of the zoom lens for projection in a projection-type display apparatus. On the contrary, if the value exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (3), the total lens length becomes long. When conditional formula (3) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to easily insert the glass block. Further, it is possible to suppress the total lens length so that the length is short.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (3′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (3).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group has a concave surface facing the magnification side, and the most-reduction-side lens in the second lens group has a convex surface facing the reduction side, it is possible to excellently correct astigmatism.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable when the aforementioned conditional formula (4) is also satisfied while the most-magnification-side lens and the most-reduction-side lens in the second lens group are structured as described above. Further, the effects are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (4′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (4).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the second lens group substantially consists of only two lenses, the effect of correcting astigmatism is more remarkable. Generally, the second lens group is a part with a large lens diameter. Therefore, when the second lens group consists of a minimum number of lenses for correcting astigmatism, which are two lenses, the structure is advantageous also to reduction in the weight of the zoom lens.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (5) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (5) defines the ratio of the focal length of the first lens group to the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end. If the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (5), the negative refractive power of the first lens group becomes too weak, and the lens diameter on the magnification side becomes large. Further, it becomes difficult to secure a predetermined back focus. On the contrary, if the value exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (5), the negative refractive power of the first lens group becomes too strong, and it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and distortion. When conditional formula (5) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to reduce the size of the zoom lens. Further, it is possible to definitely correct curvature of field and distortion.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (5′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (5).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when plural lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change, are substantially a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side, it is possible to excellently correct various aberrations by using a small number of lenses.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (6) is satisfied, it is possible to sufficiently satisfy a need for a wider angle of view, which is required recently for the zoom lens for projection.

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the fifth lens group is configured to include at least three positive lenses, and the most-magnification-side lens in the fifth lens group has a convex surface facing the magnification side, and the aforementioned conditional formula (7) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable.

Specifically, first, three or more positive lenses are used in the fifth lens group. Therefore, it is possible to achieve excellent telecentricity. Further, although it tends to be difficult to provide a long back focus in a wide angle lens, it is possible to appropriately secure a back focus. Further, since a lens with a convex surface facing the magnification side is used as the most-magnification-side lens in the fifth lens group, it is possible to excellently correct a spherical aberration and astigmatism. Meanwhile, conditional formula (7) defines the ratio of a focal length of the fifth lens group to a focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end. It is difficult to excellently correct curvature of field (especially, curvature of a sagittal image plane) if the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (7) or exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (7). When conditional formula (7) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to excellently correct curvature of field through an entire variable magnification range. The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (7′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (7).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (8) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (8) defines an average of an Abbe number or numbers of a positive lens or lenses included in the fifth lens group. If the value is lower than the lower limit of the conditional formula, it becomes difficult to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. When conditional formula (8) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (8′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (8).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (9) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (9) defines an average of an Abbe number or numbers of a positive lens or lenses included in the sixth lens group. If the value is lower than the lower limit of this conditional formula, it becomes difficult to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. When conditional formula (9) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (9′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (9).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (10) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (10) defines a relationship between a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens or a most-magnification-side lens unit in the fifth lens group and a curvature radius of its reduction-side surface. If the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (10) or exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (10), it becomes difficult to excellently correct a spherical aberration and astigmatism. When conditional formula (10) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to excellently correct a spherical aberration and astigmatism.

The effects as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (10′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (10).

In the zoom lens for projection of the present invention, especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (11) is satisfied, the following effects are achievable. Specifically, conditional formula (11) defines the ratio of the focal length of the sixth lens group to the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end. If the value is lower than the lower limit of conditional formula (11), the refractive power of the sixth lens group becomes too strong, and a back focus becomes short. Further, the amount of generated lateral chromatic aberrations becomes large, and correction of the lateral chromatic aberrations by the other lens groups becomes difficult. On the contrary, if the value exceeds the upper limit of conditional formula (11), the refractive power of the sixth lens group becomes too weak, and it becomes difficult to secure necessary telecentricity. When conditional formula (11) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent such drawbacks, and to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. Further, it is possible to secure excellent telecentricity.

The effect as described so far are more remarkable especially when the aforementioned conditional formula (11′) is satisfied in the range defined by conditional formula (11).

Meanwhile, in the projection-type display apparatus of the present invention, the zoom lens of the present invention, which has been described, is adopted as a zoom lens for projection. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy a need for a wider angle of view. Further, it is possible to excellently suppress curvature of field, and to display images with high image qualities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross section illustrating the lens structure of a zoom lens for projection in Example 6 of the present invention;

FIG. 7, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1;

FIG. 8, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2;

FIG. 9, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3;

FIG. 10, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4;

FIG. 11, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5;

FIG. 12, Sections A through L are aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating paths of rays in the zoom lens for projection in Example 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a projection-type display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a projection-type display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to drawings. First, a zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the moved position of each lens group at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end when a variable magnification operation is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 of the present invention. In this diagram, the direction of movement of a lens group that moves during change from a wide angle end to a telephoto end is schematically illustrated by an arrow between the positions.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2 through FIG. 6 are cross sections illustrating other structural examples according to the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 through FIG. 6 correspond to zoom lenses for projection in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later. The basic structures of these zoom lenses for projection are similar to the basic structure of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention will be described mainly by using the structure illustrated in FIG. 1, as an example.

The zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention is usable, for example, as a projection lens for projecting image information displayed on a light valve onto a screen. In FIG. 1, the left side of the diagram is a magnification side, and the right side of the diagram is a reduction side. A case of mounting the zoom lens for projection in a projection-type display apparatus is considered, and a glass block 2, such as a color combination prism (including filters), and an image display surface 1 of a light valve located on a reduction-side surface of the glass block 2 are also illustrated.

In the projection-type display apparatus, rays to which image information is given at the image display surface 1 enter the zoom lens for projection through the glass block 2. Further, an image based on the image information is projected and displayed on a screen arranged on the left side of the paper surface, and which is not illustrated.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the position of the reduction-side surface of the glass block 2 and the position of the image display surface 1 are the same. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this example. Further, FIG. 1 illustrates only one image display surface 1. The projection-type display apparatus may be structured so that a full color image is displayable by separating rays from a light source into three primary colors by a color separation optical system, and by providing three light valves for the respective primary colors.

A zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, as substantial lens groups, only first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a most magnification side, and which is fixed during magnification change, second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a reduction side of first lens group G1, and which is fixed during magnification change, sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power, and which is arranged on a most reduction side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and plural lens groups (hereinafter, referred to as moving lens groups in magnification change) arranged between sixth lens L6 , which is the last lens group, and second lens group G2 , and which move during magnification change. Further, the zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side.

In the embodiment of the present invention, three lens groups, namely, third lens group G3, fourth lens group G4 and fifth lens group G5, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side, are provided as the aforementioned moving lens groups in magnification change.

Further, the zoom lens for projection is configured in such a manner that focusing is performed by moving only second lens group G2.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, first lens group G1 consists of four lenses (first lens L1 through fourth lens L4), and second lens group G2 consists of two lenses (fifth lens L5 and sixth lens L6), and third lens group G3 consists of two lenses (seventh lens L7 and eighth lens L7 ), and fourth lens group G4 consists of one lens (ninth lens L9 ), and fifth lens group G5 consists of five lenses (tenth lens L10 through 14th lens L14 ), and sixth lens group G6 consists of one lens (15th lens L15 ).

Here, the number of a lens or lenses constituting each lens group of the zoom lens for projection of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, in the zoom lens for projection in Example 5, which will be described later, fifth lens group G5 consists of six lenses. In the zoom lens for projection in Example 6, which will be described later, fourth lens group G4 consists of two lenses.

The zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention adopts an inner focus structure in which focusing is performed by moving only second lens group G2 having negative refractive power arranged on a reduction side of first lens group G1 , which is fixed during magnification change, as described above. Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct curvature of field without especially increasing the size of the lens.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured in such a manner that magnification is changed by moving three lens groups G3 through G5. Therefore, it is possible to excellently suppress curvature of field caused by a wider angle of view while simplifying the structure, compared with a zoom lens in which four lens groups are moved to change magnification, or the like.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (1) when a focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw and a focal length of second lens group G2 is f2: −210.0<f2/fw  (1) Further, especially the following conditional formula (1′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (1): −190.0<f2/fw  (1′).

The value defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (1) for each example will be specifically described later in detail with reference to Table 19 (similar also for conditional formulas that will be described later).

The zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to satisfy the aforementioned conditional formula (1) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (1′). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the zoom lens for projection and to widen the angle of view at the same time.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula: −210.0<f2/fw<−20.0  (2) Further, especially the following conditional formula (2′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (2): −190.0<f2/fw<−40.0  (2′). Therefore, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve reduction in size. Further, it is possible to excellently suppress a fluctuation of aberrations caused by a fluctuation in a projection distance.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to an embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (3) when a focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw and a back focus of the entire system (distance in air) is Bf: 1.5<Bf/fw<3.0  (3) Further, especially the following conditional formula (3′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (3): 1.7<Bf/fw<2.5  (3′) Therefore, it is possible to easily insert a glass block 2, such as a prism, to be arranged on the rear side (reduction side) of the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention. Further, it is possible to suppress the total length of the lens so that the length is short.

Further, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, fifth lens L5, which is arranged on the most magnification side in second lens group G2, has a concave surface facing the magnification side, and sixth lens L6, which is arranged on the most reduction side in second lens group G2, has a convex surface facing the reduction side. Therefore, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention can excellently correct astigmatism.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned conditional formula (4) is satisfied when a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of fifth lens L5 is R21 f and a curvature radius of a reduction-side surface of fifth lens L5 is R21 r: 5.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<80.0  (4) Further, especially the following conditional formula (4′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (4): 6.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<60.0  (4′)

Therefore, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention can excellently correct astigmatism.

Further, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, second lens group G2 consists of only two lenses, namely, fifth lens L5 and sixth lens L6. Generally, second lens group G2 is a part with a large lens diameter. Therefore, when second lens group G2 consists of a minimum number of lenses for correcting astigmatism, which are two lenses, the structure is advantageous to reduction in the weight of the zoom lens.

In the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned conditional formula (5) is satisfied when the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw and a focal length of first lens group G1 is f1: −2.0<f1/fw<−0.8  (5)

Further, especially the following conditional formula (5′) is satisfied in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (5): −1.5<f1/fw<−1.0  (5′) Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the size of the zoom lens, and to definitely correct curvature of field and distortion.

Further, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, plural lens groups arranged between last lens group G6 and second lens group G2, and which move during magnification change, are third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, and fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to excellently correct various aberrations by using a small number of lenses.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (6) when a full angle of view at a wide angle end is 2ω: 70°≦2ω  (6) Therefore, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention can sufficiently satisfy a need for a wider angle of view, which is required recently for the zoom lens for projection.

Further, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, fifth lens group G5 includes three positive lenses, namely, 11th lens L11, 13th lens L13 and 14th lens L14 . Further, a most-magnification-side lens in fifth lens group G5, which is tenth lens L10 , has a convex surface facing the magnification side. Further, when a focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw, and a focal length of fifth lens group G5 is f5, the zoom lens for projection satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula: 7.5<f5/fw<14.5  (7) Further, in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (7), especially the following conditional formula (7′) is also satisfied: 8.0<f5/fw<13.0  (7′) Therefore, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention can excellently correct curvature of field (especially curvature of a sagittal image plane) through an entire variable magnification range.

Further, when an average of Abbe numbers of positive lenses included in fifth lens group G5, in other words, 11th lens L11, 13th lens L13 and 14th lens L14 for d-line is ν5 a, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula: 60.0<ν5a  (8) Further, in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (8), especially the following conditional formula (8′) is also satisfied: 62.0<ν5a  (8′) Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration.

Further, when an average of an Abbe number or numbers of a positive lens or lenses included in sixth lens group G6 for d-line, specifically, the Abbe number of 15th lens L15 for d-line in this example is ν6 a, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula: 50.0<ν6a  (9) Further, in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (9), especially the following conditional formula (9′) is also satisfied: 55.0<ν6a  (9′) Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration also from this respect. Since the embodiment of the present invention satisfies both of the aforementioned conditional formulas (8′) and (9′), it is possible to correct a lateral chromatic aberration in an especially excellent manner.

Further, when a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in fifth lens group G5, namely tenth lens L10 , is R5 f, and a curvature radius of a reduction-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in fifth lens group G5 is R5 r, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula: 2.5<(R5f+R5r)/(R5f−R5r)<7.0  (10) Further, in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (10), especially the following conditional formula (10′) is also satisfied: 3.5<(R5f+R5r)/(R5f−R5r)<6.5  (10′) Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to excellently correct a spherical aberration and astigmatism.

These features are similar also in Examples 2 through 6. Particularly, in Example 5, a biconvex lens L10 a and a biconcave lens L10 b cemented together are arranged, as the aforementioned “lens unit”, on the most magnification side of fifth lens group G5. Therefore, in this case, the reduction-side surface is the reduction-side surface of biconcave lens 10 b.

Further, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (11) when a focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end is fw and a focal length of sixth lens group G6 is f6: 3.0<f6/fw<7.0  (11) Further, in the range defined by the aforementioned conditional formula (11), especially the following conditional formula (11′) is also satisfied: 3.5<f6/fw<6.0  (11′) Therefore, in the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration, and to secure excellent telecentricity.

In the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention, each of all lens surfaces may be spherical, and the zoom lens may be structured without using any aspherical surface, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 1. Such a structure is cost-advantageous. Alternatively, the zoom lens for projection according to the embodiment of the present invention may use an aspherical surface. In such a case, it is possible to more excellently correct aberrations.

It is desirable that the zoom lens for projection, which is an aim of the present invention, has an F-number of 3.0 or less through the entire variable magnification range. Further, in the zoom lens for projection, which is an aim of the present invention, it is desirable that distortion (distortion aberration) is suppressed to about 2% or less through the entire variable magnification range.

Next, embodiments of a projection-type display apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a part of a projection-type display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a part of a projection-type display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The projection-type display apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14 includes an illumination optical system (illumination optical unit) 10 with a light modulation function and the zoom lens 19 for projection according to the aforementioned embodiment. The illumination optical system 10 includes transmission-type liquid crystal panels 11 a, 11 b and 11 c, which are light valves, dichroic mirrors 12 and 13 for color separation, a cross-dichroic prism 14, as a ray combination optical system for combining rays that have passed through the transmission-type liquid crystal panels 11 a through 11 c, condenser lenses 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, alight source 17 for outputting white light rays, and mirrors 18 a, 18 b and 18 c. In FIG. 14, a fly-eye integrator or the like arranged between the light source 17 and the dichroic mirror 12 is not illustrated.

In the aforementioned structure, white light rays output from the light source 17 are separated into rays of three kinds of color (G light, B light and R light) by the dichroic mirrors 12 and 13. The separated rays enter liquid crystal panels 11 a through 11 c corresponding to the colors.

In each liquid crystal panel 11 a through 11 c, light modulation is performed on the rays of each color that have entered the liquid crystal panels 11 a through 11 c based on image signals of respective colors. Color combination is performed on the modulated rays of each color by the cross-dichroic prism 14. After then, the rays are projected onto a screen, which is not illustrated, by the zoom lens 19 for projection. Accordingly, a full color image by the rays of each color is projected and displayed on the screen.

Here, the light valves are not limited to the aforementioned transmission-type liquid crystal display panels 11 a through 11 c. Alternatively, reflection-type liquid crystal display panels, or a light modulation means, such as a DMD, may be appropriately adopted.

Meanwhile, the projection-type display apparatus according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 includes an illumination optical system 20 including reflection-type display devices 21 a through 21 c, as light valves corresponding to light of respective colors, TIR (Total Internal Reflection) prisms 24 a through 24 c for color separation and color combination and a polarized light separation prism 25, and the zoom lens 29 for projection according to the aforementioned embodiment. Further, a light source 27 is arranged before the polarized light separation prism 25. The light source 27 outputs rays to be modulated by the reflection-type display devices 21 a through 21 c based on image signals of respective colors.

The white light rays output from the light source 27 travel through the polarized light separation prism 25. After then, the rays are separated into rays of light of three colors (G light, B light and R light) by the TIR prisms 24 a through 24 c. The separated rays of light of each color enter the reflection-type display devices 21 a through 21 c corresponding to the colors, and light modulation is performed on the rays. Then, the rays travel again through the TIR prisms 24 a through 24 c in reverse directions, and colors are combined. After then, the rays are transmitted through the polarized light separation prism 25, and enter the zoom lens 29 for projection. Then, an optical image by the incident light is projected and displayed on a screen, which is not illustrated, by the zoom lens 29 for projection.

As the reflection-type display devices 21 a through 21 c, for example, a reflection-type liquid crystal display device, a DMD or the like may be used. FIG. 15 illustrates examples in which reflection-type display devices are used as light valves. However, light valves provided in the projection-type display apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the reflection-type display devices. Transmission-type display devices, such as transmission-type liquid crystal display devices, may be used.

Next, specific examples of the zoom lens for projection of the present invention will be described. In all of Examples 1 through 6, which will be described next, the zoom lens for projection is a six-group zoom lens, as an example.

EXAMPLE 1

FIG. 1 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. Since FIG. 1 has been described in detail already, explanations will not be repeated unless particularly necessary.

The zoom lens for projection in Example 1 is a six-group zoom lens in which first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power and sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power are arranged in this order from a magnification side. Further, the zoom lens for projection is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side. An image display surface 1 of a light valve, composed of a transmission-type liquid crystal display panel or the like, and a glass block 2, such as a color combination prism (including a filter, such as an infrared-ray-cut filter and a low-pass filter), are arranged on the reduction side of sixth lens group G6.

The zoom lens is configured in such a manner that first lens group G1 , second lens group G2 and sixth lens group G6 , which is the last lens group, are fixed while third lens group G3 , fourth lens group G4 and fifth lens group G5 move when magnification is changed. In FIG. 1, paths of movement of moving lens groups G3 G4 and G5 when they move from a wide angle end to a telephoto end are schematically illustrated by arrows.

First lens group G1 consists of first lens L1 , which is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing a magnification side, second lens L2 , which is a negative meniscus lens with a concave surface facing a reduction side, third lens L3 , which is a negative meniscus lens with a concave surface facing the reduction side, and fourth lens L4 , which is a biconcave lens, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Further, second lens group G2 consists of fifth lens L5 , which is a negative meniscus lens with a concave surface facing the magnification side, and sixth lens L6 , which is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side.

Third lens group G3 consists of seventh lens L7 , which is a plano-convex lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side, and eighth lens L8 , which is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the magnification side, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Fourth lens group G4 consists of ninth lens L9 , which is a biconvex lens.

Fifth lens group G5 consists of tenth lens L10 , which is a negative meniscus lens with a concave surface facing the reduction side, 11th lens L11 , which is a biconvex lens, 12th lens L12 , which is a biconcave lens, 13th lens L13 , which is a biconvex lens, and 14th lens L14 , which is a biconvex lens, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Here, 12th lens L12 and 13th lens L13 are cemented together. Further, sixth lens group G6 consists of 15th lens L5 , which is a biconvex lens.

In the zoom lens for projection of Example 1, all of the lenses except 12th lens L12 and 13th lens L13 are single lenses, which are not cemented together. Further, all of the lens surfaces are spherical, and no aspheric lens is used. Therefore, the zoom lens is cost-advantageous.

FIG. 13 illustrates the path of rays of the zoom lens for projection of Example 1 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end.

Table 1 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1. Table 1 shows data including the glass block 2. In Table 1, column Si shows the surface number of the i-th surface (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) when the magnification-side surface of the most magnification-side composition element is the first surface, and surface numbers sequentially increase toward the reduction side. Column Ri shows the curvature radius of the i-th surface, and column Di shows a distance between the i-th surface and the (i+1)th surface on optical axis Z. Further, column Ndj shows the refractive index of the j-th composition element (j=1, 2, 3, . . . ) for d-line (wavelength is 587.6 nm). The most magnification-side composition element is the first composition element, and the number j sequentially increases toward the reduction side. The column νdj shows the Abbe number of the j-th composition element for d-line.

In Table 1, the value of curvature radius R and the value of surface distance D are normalized values by regarding the focal length of the entire system of the zoom lens for projection at a wide angle end as 1.0. Further, Table 1 shows numerical values rounded at predetermined digits. Further, the sign of a curvature radius is positive when a surface shape is convex toward the magnification side, and negative when a surface shape is convex toward the reduction side.

Among surface distances D, a distance between second lens group G2 and third lens group G3 , a distance between third lens group G3 and fourth lens group G4 , a distance between fourth lens group G4 and fifth lens group G5 and a distance between fifth lens group G5 and sixth lens group G6 are variable distances, which change during magnification change. In the rows corresponding to these distances, “D12 ”, “D16 ”, “D18 ”, and “D27 ” are written by attaching the surface number of the front-side surface of each distance to the sign “D”.

What has been described above is similar also in Tables 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16, which will be described later. Regarding the four variable lens-group distances, the number after the sign “D” differs depending on the number of composition elements in each example. However, the surface number of the front-side surface of each distance is attached to the sign “D” in the same manner in any of the tables.

Table 2 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D12, D16, D18 and D27 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 is changed. These numerical values are also normalized values by regarding the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end as 1.0. Further, they are values when a projection distance is 124.569 (a similarly normalized value). Table 2 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view (unit is degree) of Example 1.

The description method of Table 2, which has been described above, is similar also in Tables 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17, which will be described later.

Table 3 shows values of surface distances D8 and D12 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 1. Table 3 shows the values when projection distances are 62.285 and 373.708. Surface distance D8 is a distance between first lens group G1 and second lens group G2 , and surface distance D12 is a distance between second lens group G2 and third lens group G3 . Here, values at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end are shown for the aforementioned two cases. These values of the surface distances are also normalized values by regarding the focal length of the entire system at a wide angle end as 1.0. Further, the aforementioned two projection distances are also similarly normalized values.

The description method of Table 3, which has been described above, is similar also in Tables 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18, which will be described later. However, the two kinds of projection distance are unique values in each example. Further, in Table 9 and Table 12, which illustrate Example 3 and 4 respectively, distance “D11” is written as the distance between second lens group G2 and third lens group G3 , because fifth lens L5 and sixth lens L6 are cemented together.

TABLE 1 EXAMPLE 1: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 4.079 0.575 1.7725 49.60 2 11.070 0.010 3 3.187 0.130 1.7725 49.60 4 1.568 0.542 5 5.365 0.109 1.7725 49.60 6 1.919 0.522 7 −4.262 0.088 1.8467 23.78 8 4.262 0.769 9 −2.883 0.105 1.6204 60.29 10 −5.244 0.112 11 −2.949 0.340 1.5955 39.24 12 −2.198 D12 13 ∞ 0.262 1.8340 37.16 14 −5.340 0.010 15 4.059 0.263 1.7725 49.60 16 16.684 D16 17 5.817 0.200 1.4875 70.23 18 −6.835 D18 19 2.269 0.200 1.5317 48.84 20 1.471 0.157 21 17.174 0.194 1.4875 70.23 22 −2.725 0.102 23 −1.348 0.067 1.8061 33.27 24 2.667 0.389 1.4970 81.54 25 −2.048 0.195 26 7.636 0.526 1.4875 70.23 27 −1.800 D27 28 4.437 0.347 1.5168 64.20 29 −6.015 0.987 30 ∞ 1.559 1.5168 64.20 31 ∞

TABLE 2 EXAMPLE 1: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 124.569 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.39 2.57 2ω 77.8 68.2 63.6 D12 0.798 0.365 0.211 D16 2.967 2.346 2.008 D18 0.375 1.175 1.546 D27 0.026 0.279 0.399

TABLE 3 EXAMPLE 1: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 62.285 D8 0.864 0.864 0.864 D12 0.703 0.270 0.117 373.708 D8 0.704 0.704 0.704 D12 0.863 0.430 0.276

Here, Table 19 shows values of conditions defined by conditional formulas (1) through (11) (in other words, parts of the formulas represented by letters), and values of conditions, as prerequisites for calculation of such values, for each of Examples 1 through 6. As Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (1) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (1′). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the zoom lens and to widen the angle of view at the same time. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (2) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (2′). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the zoom lens, and to excellently suppress a fluctuation of aberrations caused by a fluctuation of a projection distance. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (3) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (3′). Therefore, it is possible to easily insert a glass block 2, such as a prism, which is arranged on the rear side (reduction side) of the zoom lens for projection. Further, it is possible to suppress the total lens length so that the length is short. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (4) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (4′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct astigmatism. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (5) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (5′). Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the size of the zoom lens. Further, it is possible to definitely correct curvature of field and distortion. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (6). Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently satisfy a need for a wider angle of view, which is required recently for the zoom lens for projection. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (7) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (7′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct curvature of field (especially curvature of a sagittal image plane) through an entire variable magnification range. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (8) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (8′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (9) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (9′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (10) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (10′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct a spherical aberration and astigmatism. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Further, as Table 19 shows, the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 satisfies the aforementioned conditional formula (11) and also the aforementioned conditional formula (11′). Therefore, it is possible to excellently correct a lateral chromatic aberration. Further, it is possible to secure excellent telecentricity. What has been described above is similar also in Examples 2 through 6, which will be described later in detail.

Here, FIG. 7, Sections A through D illustrate aberration diagrams of a spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion (a distortion aberration), and a lateral chromatic aberration (a chromatic aberration of magnification) of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 at a wide angle end, respectively. FIG. 7, Sections E through H illustrate aberration diagrams of a spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion (a distortion aberration), and a lateral chromatic aberration (a chromatic aberration of magnification) of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 at a middle focal position, respectively. FIG. 7, Sections I through L illustrate aberration diagrams of a spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion (a distortion aberration), and a lateral chromatic aberration (a chromatic aberration of magnification) of the zoom lens for projection in Example 1 at a telephoto end, respectively.

In each of the aberration diagrams of FIG. 7, Sections A through L, d-line is used as reference. In the diagram of a spherical aberration, an aberration for F-line (wavelength is 486.1 nm) and an aberration for C-line (wavelength is 656.3 nm) are also illustrated. In the diagram of a lateral chromatic aberration, an aberration for F-line and an aberration for C-line are illustrated. In the diagram of astigmatism, an aberration for a sagittal direction and an aberration for a tangential direction are illustrated by a solid line and a broken line, respectively. In the diagram of a spherical aberration, the sign “F” illustrated at an upper part of the vertical axis means an F-number. In the other diagrams, ω illustrated at an upper part of the vertical axis means a half angle of view.

The signs used in the diagram illustrating arrangement of lens groups, the tables and the aberration diagrams in Example 1, and their meanings, and the description method are basically similar also in Examples 2 through 6, unless otherwise mentioned. Further, the feature that the diagram illustrating arrangement of lens groups in Example 1 (FIG. 1) shows arrangement at a wide angle end and arrangement at a telephoto end, and the feature that the aberration diagrams illustrate aberrations at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position and at a telephoto end, as described above, are also similar in Examples 2 through 6.

EXAMPLE 2

FIG. 2 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. The zoom lens for projection in Example 2 is configured substantially in a similar manner to the zoom lens for projection in Example 1, which has been described already. However, the zoom lens for projection in Example 2 differs in that fifth lens L5 in second lens group G2 is a biconcave lens, and that sixth lens L6 in second lens group G2 is a biconvex lens, and that seventh lens L7 in third lens group G3 is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side.

Table 4 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2. Table 5 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D12, D16, D18 and D27 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2 is changed. These numerical values are values when a projection distance is 124.553. Table 5 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2.

Table 6 shows values of surface distances D8 and D12 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 2. Table 6 shows values when projection distances are 62.277 and 373.660.

TABLE 4 EXAMPLE 2: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 4.110 0.568 1.7725 49.60 2 11.255 0.010 3 3.081 0.114 1.7725 49.60 4 1.579 0.545 5 5.425 0.109 1.7725 49.60 6 2.008 0.494 7 −4.671 0.088 1.8467 23.78 8 3.970 0.832 9 −2.204 0.099 1.6180 63.33 10 11.273 0.010 11 10.929 0.586 1.5182 58.90 12 −2.123 D12 13 −87.319 0.248 1.8340 37.16 14 −5.951 0.038 15 4.070 0.274 1.7880 47.37 16 28.959 D16 17 6.234 0.149 1.4875 70.23 18 −7.312 D18 19 2.266 0.152 1.5955 39.24 20 1.495 0.150 21 18.187 0.174 1.5163 64.14 22 −3.469 0.121 23 −1.319 0.070 1.8061 33.27 24 3.119 0.406 1.4970 81.54 25 −1.920 0.115 26 7.715 0.505 1.4875 70.23 27 −1.850 D27 28 4.552 0.374 1.5163 64.14 29 −4.927 0.987 30 ∞ 1.558 1.5168 64.20 31 ∞

TABLE 5 EXAMPLE 2: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 124.553 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.43 2.63 2ω 78.0 68.2 63.8 D12 0.794 0.311 0.134 D16 3.124 2.566 2.253 D18 0.204 1.027 1.425 D27 0.026 0.244 0.336

TABLE 6 EXAMPLE 2: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 62.277 D8 0.910 0.910 0.910 D12 0.716 0.233 0.056 373.660 D8 0.778 0.778 0.778 D12 0.848 0.365 0.188

Meanwhile, FIG. 8, Sections A through L illustrate aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 3

FIG. 3 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. The zoom lens for projection in Example 3 is configured substantially in a similar manner to the zoom lens for projection in Example 1, which has been described already. However, the zoom lens for projection in Example 3 differs in that fifth lens L5 in second lens group G2 is a biconcave lens, and that sixth lens L6 in second lens group G2 is a biconvex lens, and that seventh lens L7 in third lens group G3 is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side, and that fifth lens L5 and sixth lens L6 are cemented together.

Table 7 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3. Table 8 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D11, D15, D17 and D26 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3 is changed. These numerical values are values when a projection distance is 124.547. Table 8 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3.

Table 9 shows values of surface distances D8 and D11 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 3. Table 9 shows values when projection distances are 62.274 and 373.642.

TABLE 7 EXAMPLE 3: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 4.050 0.574 1.7725 49.60 2 10.945 0.010 3 3.066 0.114 1.7725 49.60 4 1.576 0.551 5 5.620 0.109 1.7725 49.60 6 1.974 0.495 7 −4.737 0.088 1.8467 23.78 8 4.142 0.823 9 −2.202 0.099 1.6385 55.38 10 15.570 0.565 1.5174 52.43 11 −2.089 D11 12 −347.233 0.241 1.8340 37.16 13 −6.021 0.010 14 4.294 0.261 1.8040 46.57 15 27.882 D15 16 6.224 0.155 1.4970 81.54 17 −6.651 D17 18 2.441 0.242 1.5955 39.24 19 1.526 0.141 20 17.730 0.165 1.5891 61.14 21 −3.879 0.120 22 −1.335 0.070 1.8061 33.27 23 2.911 0.396 1.4970 81.54 24 −1.953 0.120 25 7.353 0.498 1.4875 70.23 26 −1.829 D26 27 4.182 0.372 1.5163 64.14 28 −5.187 0.909 29 ∞ 1.558 1.5168 64.20 30 ∞

TABLE 8 EXAMPLE 3: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 124.547 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.38 2.56 2ω 78.0 68.0 63.6 D11 0.779 0.324 0.158 D15 2.986 2.453 2.154 D17 0.356 1.132 1.507 D26 0.039 0.252 0.342

TABLE 9 EXAMPLE 3: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 62.274 D8 0.928 0.928 0.928 D11 0.675 0.219 0.053 373.642 D8 0.752 0.752 0.752 D11 0.850 0.394 0.228

Meanwhile, FIG. 9, Sections A through L illustrate aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 3.

EXAMPLE 4

FIG. 4 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. The zoom lens for projection in Example 4 is configured substantially in a similar manner to the zoom lens for projection in Example 1, which has been described already. However, the zoom lens for projection in Example 4 differs in that seventh lens L7 in third lens group G3 is a biconvex lens, and that fifth lens L5 and sixth lens L6 are cemented together.

Table 10 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4. Table 11 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D11, D15, D17 and D26 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4 is changed. These numerical values are values when a projection distance is 129.727. Table 11 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4.

Table 12 shows values of surface distances D8 and D11 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 4. Table 12 shows values when projection distances are 64.864 and 389.182.

TABLE 10 EXAMPLE 4: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 4.065 0.613 1.7725 49.60 2 10.528 0.011 3 3.098 0.119 1.7880 47.37 4 1.568 0.589 5 5.811 0.113 1.7880 47.37 6 1.998 0.499 7 −4.878 0.092 1.8467 23.78 8 4.105 0.813 9 −2.457 0.103 1.7292 54.68 10 −16.178 0.532 1.5174 52.43 11 −2.172 D11 12 295.047 0.435 1.8340 37.16 13 −5.880 0.011 14 4.539 0.255 1.8040 46.57 15 27.375 D15 16 6.830 0.224 1.4970 81.54 17 −6.762 D17 18 2.414 0.213 1.5955 39.24 19 1.541 0.147 20 11.336 0.191 1.5163 64.14 21 −3.395 0.119 22 −1.373 0.073 1.8010 34.97 23 2.875 0.418 1.4970 81.54 24 −2.143 0.073 25 6.904 0.524 1.4970 81.54 28 −1.887 D26 27 5.080 0.378 1.5163 64.14 28 −4.763 0.931 29 ∞ 1.623 1.5168 64.20 30 ∞

TABLE 11 EXAMPLE 4: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 129.727 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.39 2.57 2ω 80.2 70.2 65.8 D11 0.769 0.321 0.160 D15 3.059 2.449 2.116 D17 0.375 1.222 1.622 D26 0.059 0.268 0.363

TABLE 12 EXAMPLE 4: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 64.864 D8 0.922 0.922 0.922 D11 0.664 0.217 0.056 389.182 D8 0.747 0.747 0.747 D11 0.839 0.392 0.231

Meanwhile, FIG. 10, Sections A through L illustrate aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 4.

EXAMPLE 5

FIG. 5 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. The zoom lens for projection in Example 5 is configured substantially in a similar manner to the zoom lens for projection in Example 1, which has been described already. However, the zoom lens for projection in Example 5 differs in that seventh lens L7 in third lens group G3 is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side, and that biconvex lens L10 a and biconcave lens L10 b cemented together are used in place of tenth lens L10 (please refer to FIG. 1) in fifth lens group G5, and that 11th lens L11 in fifth lens group G5 is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the reduction side.

Table 13 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5. Table 14 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D12, D16, D18 and D28 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5 is changed. These numerical values are values when a projection distance is 122.350. Table 14 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5.

Table 15 shows values of surface distances D8 and D12 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 5. Table 15 shows values when projection distances are 61.175 and 367.049.

TABLE 13 EXAMPLE 5: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 3.930 0.557 1.7725 49.60 2 10.295 0.010 3 3.090 0.112 1.7725 49.60 4 1.573 0.542 5 5.077 0.107 1.8040 46.57 6 1.970 0.512 7 −4.564 0.087 1.8467 23.78 8 4.215 0.741 9 −2.726 0.097 1.6400 60.08 10 −5.966 0.079 11 −3.921 0.493 1.5174 52.43 12 −2.247 D12 13 −979.029 0.252 1.7380 32.26 14 −5.717 0.010 15 3.855 0.285 1.7995 42.22 16 26.468 D16 17 6.194 0.145 1.4875 70.23 18 −7.921 D18 19 2.223 0.297 1.5400 59.46 20 −1.707 0.075 1.6398 34.46 21 1.567 0.145 22 −127.302 0.160 1.6779 55.34 23 −3.353 0.127 24 −1.299 0.069 1.7995 42.22 25 3.932 0.351 1.4970 81.54 26 −1.890 0.010 27 7.468 0.459 1.5891 61.14 28 −1.832 D28 29 4.858 0.300 1.5638 60.67 30 −6.724 0.919 31 ∞ 1.531 1.5168 64.20 32 ∞

TABLE 14 EXAMPLE 5: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 122.350 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.41 2.60 2ω 76.8 67.0 62.6 D12 0.753 0.295 0.126 D16 2.976 2.384 2.051 D18 0.112 0.936 1.324 D28 0.079 0.305 0.419

TABLE 15 EXAMPLE 5: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 61.175 D8 0.824 0.824 0.824 D12 0.671 0.213 0.044 367.049 D8 0.684 0.684 0.684 D12 0.810 0.352 0.183

Meanwhile, FIG. 11, Sections A through L illustrate aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 5.

EXAMPLE 6

FIG. 6 illustrates arrangement of lens groups of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6 at a wide angle end and at a telephoto end. The zoom lens for projection in Example 6 is configured substantially in a similar manner to the zoom lens for projection in Example 1, which has been described already. However, the zoom lens for projection in Example 6 differs in that seventh lens L7 in third lens group G3 is a biconvex lens, and that biconcave lens L9 a and biconvex lens L9 b are used in place of ninth lens L9 (please refer to FIG. 1) in fourth lens group G4.

Table 16 shows basic lens data of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6. Table 17 shows focal length f of the entire system and the values of variable distances D12, D16, D20 and D29 at a wide angle end, at a middle focal position, and at a telephoto end when magnification of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6 is changed. These numerical values are values when a projection distance is 122.333. Table 17 shows also F-number Fno. and full angle 2ω of view of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6.

Table 18 shows values of surface distances D8 and D12 when focusing is performed on the zoom lens for projection in Example 6. Table 18 shows values when projection distances are 61.166 and 366.998.

TABLE 16 EXAMPLE 6: BASIC LENS DATA FOCAL LENGTH f = 1.00~1.19~1.29 Si Ri Di Ndj νdj SURFACE CURVATURE SURFACE REFRACTIVE Abbe NUMBER RADIUS DISTANCE INDEX NUMBER 1 3.798 0.572 1.7725 49.60 2 9.712 0.010 3 2.963 0.112 1.7725 49.60 4 1.580 0.491 5 4.051 0.107 1.7880 47.37 6 1.743 0.533 7 −5.139 0.087 1.8467 23.78 8 3.837 0.610 9 −2.881 0.338 1.6400 60.08 10 −7.400 0.093 11 −4.021 0.388 1.5174 52.43 12 −2.262 D12 13 45.381 0.221 1.8000 29.84 14 −7.206 0.010 15 4.682 0.234 1.7995 42.22 16 37.514 D16 17 −18.133 0.067 1.7174 29.52 18 9.238 0.034 19 5.246 0.165 1.7725 49.60 20 −6.944 D20 21 2.161 0.311 1.5407 47.23 22 1.489 0.153 23 25.255 0.167 1.5891 61.14 24 −3.738 0.129 25 −1.373 0.071 1.8010 34.97 26 2.968 0.363 1.4970 81.54 27 −2.124 0.010 28 5.858 0.477 1.4970 81.54 29 −1.832 D29 30 3.783 0.360 1.5163 64.14 31 −5.782 0.919 32 ∞ 1.531 1.5168 64.20 33 ∞

TABLE 17 EXAMPLE 6: DATA ABOUT ZOOM PROJECTION DISTANCE 122.333 WIDE ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO SPECIFICATION END POSITION END f 1.00 1.19 1.29 Fno. 2.00 2.33 2.48 2ω 76.8 67.0 62.6 D12 0.638 0.260 0.128 D16 2.627 1.962 1.605 D20 0.517 1.327 1.720 D29 0.043 0.276 0.373

TABLE 18 EXAMPLE 6: DATA ABOUT FOCUSING WIDE PROJECTION MOVEMENT ANGLE MIDDLE TELEPHOTO DISTANCE DISTANCE END POSITION END 61.166 D8 0.694 0.694 0.694 D12 0.554 0.175 0.044 366.998 D8 0.552 0.552 0.552 D12 0.696 0.318 0.186

TABLE 19 EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3 EXAMPLE 4 EXAMPLE 5 EXAMPLE 6 fw 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 f1 −1.24 −1.30 −1.31 −1.27 −1.30 −1.34 f2 −140.18 −87.23 −54.27 −57.59 −169.99 −98.50 f5 9.69 12.47 12.52 11.48 8.46 9.85 f6 5.00 4.64 4.55 4.82 5.05 4.49 Bf 2.01 2.01 1.94 2.00 1.93 1.93 (1) (2) f2/fw −140.18 −87.23 −54.27 −57.59 −169.99 −98.50 (3) Bf/fw 2.01 2.01 1.94 2.00 1.93 1.93 (4) (R21f + R21r)/ 7.42 53.14 38.04 16.25 10.39 8.31 (R21f − R21r) (5) f1/fw −1.24 −1.30 −1.31 −1.27 −1.30 −1.34 (6) 2ω 77.80 78.00 78.00 80.20 76.80 76.80 (7) f5/fw 9.69 12.47 12.52 11.48 8.46 9.85 (8) ν5a 74.00 71.97 70.97 75.74 64.37 74.74 (9) ν6a 64.20 64.14 64.14 64.14 60.67 64.14 (10) (R5f + R5r)/ 4.69 4.38 4.34 4.53 5.78 5.43 (R5f − R5r) (11) f6/fw 5.00 4.64 4.55 4.82 5.05 4.49

Meanwhile, FIG. 12, Sections A through L illustrate aberration diagrams of the zoom lens for projection in Example 6.

So far, the present invention has been described by using embodiments and examples. However, the zoom lens for projection of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned examples, and various modifications of the mode are possible. For example, a curvature radius, a distance between surfaces, a refractive index, and an Abbe number of each lens may be appropriately modified.

Further, the structure of the projection-type display apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned structure. For example, light valves and optical members used to separate or combine rays are not limited to the structures that have been described already, and various modifications of the mode are possible. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A zoom lens for projection substantially consisting of: a first lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a most magnification side, and which is fixed during magnification change; a second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a reduction side of the first lens group, and which is fixed during magnification change; a last lens group having positive refractive power, and which is arranged on a most reduction side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and a plurality of lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change, wherein the zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side, and wherein focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group, and wherein the plurality of lens groups that move during magnification change substantially consist of three lens groups, and wherein the following conditional formula (2) is satisfied: −210.0<f2/fw<−20.0  (2), where fw: a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end, and f2: a focal length of the second lens group.
 2. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 1, wherein the following conditional formula (2′) is satisfied: −190.0<f2/fw<−40.0  (2′).
 3. A projection-type display apparatus comprising: a light source; a light valve; an illumination optical unit that guides rays from the light source to the light valve; and the zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 1, wherein the display apparatus includes a structure in which light modulation is performed on the rays from the light source at the light valve, and the rays are projected onto a screen by the zoom lens for projection.
 4. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 1, wherein the following conditional formula (3) is satisfied: 1.5<Bf/fw<3.0  (3), where fw: a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end, and Bf: a back focus of the entire system when distance in air is used.
 5. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 4, wherein the following conditional formula (3′) is satisfied: 1.7<Bf/fw<2.5  (3′).
 6. A zoom lens for projection substantially consisting of: a first lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a most magnification side, and which is fixed during magnification change; a second lens group having negative refractive power, and which is arranged on a reduction side of the first lens group, and which is fixed during magnification change; a last lens group having positive refractive power, and which is arranged on a most reduction side, and which is fixed during magnification change, and three lens groups arranged between the last lens group and the second lens group, and which move during magnification change, wherein the zoom lens is configured to be telecentric on a reduction side, and wherein focusing is performed by moving only the second lens group, and wherein the lens groups that move during magnification change are substantially a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, which are arranged in this order form a magnification side.
 7. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the second lens group substantially consists of only two lenses.
 8. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the following conditional formula (6) is satisfied: 70°≦2ω  (6), where 2ω: a full angle of view at a wide angle end.
 9. A projection-type display apparatus comprising: a light source; a light valve; an illumination optical unit that guides rays from the light source to the light valve; and the zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the display apparatus includes a structure in which light modulation is performed on the rays from the light source at the light valve, and the rays are projected onto a screen by the zoom lens for projection.
 10. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the following conditional formula (1) is satisfied: −210.0<f2/fw  (1), where fw: a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end, and f2: a focal length of the second lens group.
 11. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 10, wherein the following conditional formula (1′) is satisfied: −190.0<f2/fw  (1′).
 12. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the following conditional formula (3) is satisfied: where 1.5<Bf/fw<3.0  (3), where fw: a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end, and Bf: a back focus of the entire system when distance in air is used.
 13. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 12, wherein the following conditional formula (3′) is satisfied: 1.7<Bf/fw<2.5  (3′).
 14. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein the following conditional formula (5) is satisfied: −2.0<f1/fw<−0.8  (5), where fw: a focal length of an entire system at a wide angle end, and f1: a focal length of the first lens group.
 15. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 14, wherein the following conditional formula (5′) is satisfied: −1.5<f1/fw<−1.0  (5′).
 16. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 6, wherein a most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group has a concave surface facing a magnification side, and wherein a most-reduction-side lens in the second lens group has a convex surface facing a reduction side.
 17. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 16, wherein the following conditional formula (4) is satisfied: 5.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<80.0  (4), where R21f: a curvature radius of a magnification-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group, and R21r: a curvature radius of a reduction-side surface of the most-magnification-side lens in the second lens group.
 18. The zoom lens for projection, as defined in claim 17, wherein the following conditional formula (4′) is satisfied: 6.0<(R21f+R21r)/(R21f−R21r)<60.0  (4′). 